The Media's Criticism of Joe Biden: Roots and Motivations

Is the media attacking Biden? Perhaps some outlets are. However, what I have observed more is that Biden’s political opponents, particularly other Democratic candidates vying for their party’s presidential nomination, have been the main source of criticism. Respectable news outlets have reported these attacks, exploring the factual basis of such criticisms. This phenomenon is not surprising, as political opponents are often expected to attack each other, especially when it garners media attention.

Political Opponent Attacks

During Biden's tenure as Vice President and through his years in the Senate, unfavorable aspects of his past and personality were either 'walled off' or presented as the personal quirks of 'good ol’ Uncle Joe.' However, as he mounts a serious campaign for president, his status as 'an old white man' presents a challenge. Barring his success in winning the nomination, his shortcomings may fade into the background again, as they often do with candidates who eventually achieve significant success in their careers. However, while other candidates grow in popularity, the media's focus on Biden is currently fair game, thanks to his extensive political history.

Progressive/Socialist Model's Failure

The progressive or socialist model has failed, and instead of discussing this failure, the media resorts to playing the race card. This tactic diverts attention away from the real issues to personal attacks, making it easier to avoid addressing the systemic weaknesses in the model that created the need for such an avoidance strategy. This race card plays are increasingly used to undermine any substantive debate, and the Democrats are now experiencing the backlash of the monster they created.

The Media's Agenda

Does the media have an agenda? It certainly appears that way. During Biden's time in the Senate and as Vice President, he was a useful asset to the Democratic Party, and thus unfavorable aspects of his history and personality were handled discreetly. Now, as he seeks the presidency, he represents a threat to younger, more diverse, and more progressive options. If Biden were to win the nomination, critics argue, his shortcomings would be quickly forgotten, and he would be remembered as a saintly individual, akin to his past association with Barack Obama. However, currently, there are other candidates that excite the media more, making criticism of Biden a valuable topic for their narratives.

Case Study: Beto O’Rourke

This phenomenon is not limited to Biden alone. Consider Beto O’Rourke's experience. When he was useful, running against the disliked Republican Ted Cruz, he was hailed as a combination of JFK and Jesus, despite his past association with a 'shitty band.' Once he lost and tried to compete against other Democrats, overnight, he transformed into a 'desperate empty suit.' This transformation is comical but highlights the hypocrisy of the media's approach to coverage. Political opponents are often painted in drastic terms, depending on whether they are currently useful or not.

Conclusion

The media's criticism of Joe Biden has deep roots in the political climate and the shifting priorities of the media. As a seasoned politician, Biden faces significant scrutiny, and this scrutiny is often driven by the media's agenda and the changing dynamics of the political landscape. Understanding these motivations can help us navigate the complex and often biased media coverage of political figures.